Bulgarian Youth in the Endless Battle with the Bulgarian Mentality
BG4PAL tries to openly address uncomfortable global topics, like the situation in Palestine and Israel, and organize campaigns to provide aid.
BG4PAL proves that leadership is not a matter of age, but of the courage to stand up for human life and provoke public debate. They are fighting against both domestic corruption and the rise of far-right nationalist ideas, which lead to injustices like denying life-saving medicine to refugees.
Despite facing obstacles, such as their message being drowned out at the 2025 Pride parade, these young activists persist. BG4PAL serves as a crucial reminder to the bright Bulgarian youth that they have the opportunity to insist on change today, because tomorrow might be too late.
We live in a time of constant struggle, in which civic engagement is more important than ever, especially in a country where human rights are often trampled upon. That is why we need alert young people who can show society that fighting for your beliefs is an effort that is worth it.
BG4PAL is an example of such a movement of young people who fight not only for the rights of others, but also for human rights in general. In Bulgaria, the topic of Palestine and Israel is rarely discussed, as it seems distant to us. That is why the Bulgarian mentality can often be described with the expression: “If it doesn’t affect me, it doesn’t exist.”
However, young people like those from BG4PAL are breaking this mindset. They prove that the solidarity of young people in Bulgaria is stronger than the indifference of the majority. They have the courage to speak openly about topics that are uncomfortable for most people. They organize campaigns, events, and discussions aimed at spreading their solidarity to the masses and, together with them, helping those in need in Palestine.
While many find excuses not to get involved, BG4PAL shows that leadership is not a matter of age, but of the courage to stand up for your views on normal human lives and provoke public debate. These young people are fighting not only against corruption in the country, but also against the growing popularity of far-right nationalist ideas. Such ideas lead to injustices, such as denying refugees access to life-saving medicines, as in the case of LGBTI+ HIV-positive man Nidal Wadi.
The organization was also put in an awkward position during the 2025 Pride parade, when the slogan “No pride in apartheid” was drowned out by the loud music of the people in front. This case shows that even among minority groups, support is not always unanimous, despite the need for unity.
Today, more than ever, Bulgaria’s bright young people have the opportunity to show that it is possible to insist on change. BG4PAL reminds us that talking about these issues today is not easy, but tomorrow may be too late.
Today, more than ever, Bulgarian youth have the opportunity to show that people can insist on change. Bulgaria for Palestine reminds us that talking about these issues today is not easy, but tomorrow may be too late.
Source: BG4PAL Instagram